Purse and accessory holder

ABSTRACT

A holder for a clothing article, such as a purse, scarf, or glove, the holder generally including a base and a hanger, wherein the hanger supports the clothing article but does not compress the clothing article.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to holders for clothing articles, and more particularly, to holders for handbags and other accessories.

[0003] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Devices for temporarily holding clothing articles, such as handbags, hats, and coats, are generally described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,415,126; 1,501,807; 2,064,133; 2,473,086; 2,521,037; 2,532,255; 4,210,302; and 5,094,417 and U.S. Design Pat. Nos. 159,834 and 256,738. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,415,126 to Stahle discloses a clip for holding a hat. U.S. Pat. No. 1,501,807 to Petschel discloses another type of hat supporting hook. U.S. Pat. No. 2,521,037 to Brinton discloses a C-shaped hook for holding a purse and an elastomeric strap for holding gloves. U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,417 to Creed discloses a C-shaped mount with a C-shaped hook pivotally attached thereto. U.S. Design Pat. No. 159,834 to Meyers discloses another type of holder for gloves and a handbag.

[0005] In general, the prior art reasonably teaches that as the number of clothing articles to be held increases, the complexity of the device also increases. Therefore, a need exists for a clothing article holder that accomplishes multiple functions with a reduced amount of parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to the present invention, a holder for a clothing article generally includes a base having a first surface and a second surface and a hanger having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion has a first end and a second end and the second portion defines a loop. The first end of the first portion of the hanger is connected to the base, and the loop supports the clothing article but does not compress the clothing article.

[0007] A pivot joint rigidly connected to an outer edge of the base may also be provided, wherein the first end of the first portion of the hanger is rotatably connected to the pivot joint. A pad positioned adjacent to the base, and the first surface of the base and the second surface of the base may each define a circular shape.

[0008] The loop may be a substantially closed O-shaped loop or a substantially C-shaped loop. A ball may be positioned at a free end of the C-shaped loop. The loop is designed to receive a clothing article, such as a scarf and a glove.

[0009] A method of holding a clothing article is also provided. The method generally includes the steps of: a) providing a planar surface having a leading edge; b) providing a holder comprising a base and a hanger pivotally connected to the base, the hanger having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion defining a loop; c) positioning the base of the holder on the planar surface adjacent to the leading edge of the planar surface, such that the second portion of the hanger is positioned substantially parallel to the leading edge of the planar surface, the loop extends away from the base, and the planar surface is positioned between the base and the loop; and d) inserting the clothing article in the loop, such that the loop supports the clothing article but does not compress the clothing article. If a stem is positioned between the loop and the first portion of the hanger, and a purse having a carrying strap is provided, a further step may include positioning the carrying strap of the purse adjacent to the stem.

[0010] This simple design of the present invention eliminates the need for multiple parts, such as constrictive elastic bands. Moreover, the loop design does not squeeze a clothing article, such as a delicate scarf, so wrinkling and other damage to the clothing article are significantly reduced.

[0011] These and other advantages of the present invention will be clarified in the description of the preferred embodiment taken together with the attached drawings in which like reference numerals represent like elements throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a side view of a holder according to a first embodiment of the present invention with a hanger in a deployed position;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the holder shown in FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a top view of the holder shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0015]FIG. 4 is a top view of the holder shown in FIGS. 1-3 with the hanger in a storage position;

[0016]FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the holder shown in FIGS. 1-4;

[0017]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the holder shown in FIGS. 1-5;

[0018]FIG. 7 is a side view of a holder according to a second embodiment of the present invention with a hanger in a deployed position;

[0019]FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the holder shown in FIG. 7;

[0020]FIG. 9 is a top view of the holder shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;

[0021]FIG. 10 is a top view of the holder shown in FIGS. 7-9 with the hanger in a storage position;

[0022]FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the holder shown in FIGS. 7-10; and

[0023]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the holder shown in FIGS. 7-11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] As shown generally in FIGS. 1-6, a first embodiment of the present invention generally relates to a holder 10 for clothing articles, such as handbags, scarves, baseball caps, or other suitable articles. As shown in FIG. 1 and the combination of FIGS. 2 and 3, the holder 10 according to the present invention includes a base 12 having a first surface 14, a second surface 16, and an outer edge 18. The base 12 is preferably circular in shape when viewed from a top perspective or a bottom perspective and is made from metal, such as brass or other suitable metal or metal alloy, plastic, or any other suitable material. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a protective pad 20 may be positioned adjacent the second surface 16 of the base 12. Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, in the preferred embodiment, a hollow cylinder 22 is rigidly connected to the base 12, preferably at the outer edge 18 of the base 12. The hollow cylinder 22 is also preferably made from metal, metal alloy, plastic, or other suitable material.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, a hanger 24 is pivotally connected to the base 12 via the hollow cylinder 22. The hanger 24 may be made of metal, metal alloy, plastic, or other suitable material and generally includes a first portion 26 and an integrally formed second portion 28. The first portion 26 has a first end 30 and a second end 32, with the first end 30 of the hanger bent at an approximate ninety degree angle with respect to the first portion 26 of the hanger 24. The first end 30 of the first portion 26 of the hanger 24 is inserted into the hollow cylinder 22 as to define a pivot joint 22 a, so that the hanger 24 is rotatable with respect to the base 12.

[0026] The second portion 28 of the hanger 24 generally includes a stem 34 that is connected to the second end 32 of the first portion 26 of the hanger 24, and a substantially closed O-shaped loop 36 is connected to the stem 34. The stem 34 intersects the second end 32 of the first portion 26 of the hanger 24 at an intersection point 38, such that an angle α, is defined between the first portion 26 of the hanger 24 and the stem 34. The substantially closed O-shaped loop 36 is preferably large enough to allow a scarf, gloves, or other clothing article to easily pass through the substantially closed O-shaped loop 36 without being bunched or clamped.

[0027]FIGS. 4 and 5 show a holder 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention in two respective storage positions. In operation, as shown in FIG. 1, the second surface 16 of the base 12 is placed on a table or other generally planer surface 40 adjacent to a leading edge 46. The hanger 24 is pivoted with respect to the base 12 via the pivot joint 22 a so that the hanger 24 extends away from the base 12 and the planer surface 40 and is substantially parallel to the leading edge 46. As shown in FIG. 6, a handbag carrying strap 42 may be placed on the stem 34 of the second portion 28 of the hanger 24, adjacent to the intersection point 38 of the first portion 26 of the hanger 24 and the stem 34. A scarf 44 or other clothing article can also be fed through the substantially closed O-shaped loop 36.

[0028] When the articles do not need to be held any longer, the scarf 44 can be removed from the substantially closed O-shaped loop 36 and the carrying strap 42 can be removed from the stem 34. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the base 12 can then be removed from the planer surface 40, and the hanger 24 can be moved into a storage position by pivoting the hanger 24 to lie in the same imaginary plane as the base 12.

[0029] FIGS. 7-12 generally show a holder 10 a according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7 and the combination of FIGS. 8 and 9, the holder 10 a according to the second embodiment of the present invention generally includes a base 12 a having a first surface 14 a, a second surface 16 a, and an outer edge 18 a. The base 12 a is preferably circular in shape when viewed from a top perspective or a bottom perspective and is preferably made from metal, such as brass or other suitable metal or metal alloy, plastic, or any other suitable material. As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 12, the first surface 14 a defines a ridge 48 and a depression 50, with the depression configured to receive a pad, such as the pad 20 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6 of the first embodiment.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 9-11, a hanger 24 a is pivotally connected to the base 12 a via a cavity 52 defined by the base 12 a. The hanger 24 a may be made of metal, metal alloy, plastic, or other suitable material and, as shown generally in FIGS. 7-12, may include a generally curve-shaped first portion 26 a integrally formed to a second portion 28 a. The first portion 26 a has a first end 30 a and a second end 32 a, with the first end 30 a of the first portion 26 a of the hanger 24 a bent at an angle with respect to a balance of the first portion 26 a of the hanger 24 a. The first end 30 a of the first portion 26 a of the hanger 24 a is inserted into the cavity 54 defined by the base 12 a as to define a pivot joint 22 a, so that the hanger 24 a is rotatable with respect to the base 12 a.

[0031] The second portion 28 a of the hanger 24 a generally includes a stem 34 a that is connected to the second end 32 a of the first portion 26 a of the hanger 24 a and a C-shaped loop 36 a connected to the stem 34 a. The stem 34 a intersects the second end 32 a of the first portion 26 a of the hanger 24 a at an intersection point 38 a, such that an angle β is defined between the second end 32 a of first portion 26 a of the hanger 24 a and the stem 34 a. The C-shaped loop 36 a is preferably large enough to allow a scarf, gloves, or other clothing article to easily pass through the C-shaped loop 36 a without being bunched or clamped. A stop 54 may be added to a free end of the C-shaped loop 36 a to prevent a sharp edge and help hold articles.

[0032]FIGS. 10 and 11 show the holder 10 a according to a second embodiment of the present invention in two respective storage positions. In operation, as shown in FIG. 7, the second surface 16 a of the base 12 a is placed on a table or other generally planer surface 40 adjacent to a leading edge 46. The hanger 24 a is pivoted with respect to the base 12 a via the pivot joint 22 a so that the hanger 24 a extends away from the base 12 a and the planer surface 40 and is substantially parallel to the leading edge 46. As shown in FIG. 12, a handbag carrying strap 42 may be placed on the stem 34 a of the second portion 28 a of the hanger 24 a, adjacent to the intersection point 38 a of the first portion 26 a of the hanger 24 a and the stem 34 a. A scarf 44 or other clothing article can also be fed through the C-shaped loop 36 a.

[0033] When the articles do not need to be held any longer, the scarf 44 can be removed from the C-shaped loop 36 a and the carrying strap 42 can be removed from the stem 34 a. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the base 12 a can then be removed from the planer surface 40 (FIG. 7), and the hanger 24 a can be moved into a storage position by pivoting the hanger 24 a to lie in the same imaginary plane as the base 12 a.

[0034] As described above, a holder 10, 10 a according to either embodiment of the present invention offers the advantages of a simple design, is easy to manufacture, is multifunctional, and can hold or support a clothing article without compressing the clothing article.

[0035] The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obvious modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. 

We claim:
 1. A holder for a clothing article comprising: a base having a first surface and a second surface; and a hanger having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a first end and a second end, and the second portion defining a loop, wherein the first end of the first portion of the hanger is connected to the base, and the loop supports the clothing article but does not compress the clothing article.
 2. The holder as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pivot joint rigidly connected to the base and wherein the first end of the first portion of the hanger is rotatably connected to the pivot joint.
 3. The holder as claimed in claim 2, wherein the pivot joint is connected to an outer edge of the base.
 4. The holder as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pad positioned adjacent to the base.
 5. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first surface of the base and the second surface of the base each define a circular shape.
 6. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the loop is a substantially closed O-shaped loop.
 7. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the loop is a C-shaped loop.
 8. The holder as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a ball positioned at a free end of the C-shaped loop.
 9. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clothing article is selected from the group comprising a scarf and a glove.
 10. The holder as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base is made from metal.
 11. A method of holding a clothing article comprising the steps of: a) providing a planar surface having a leading edge; b) providing a holder comprising: i) a base; and ii) a hanger connected to the base, the hanger having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion defining a loop; c) positioning the base of the holder on the planar surface adjacent to the leading edge of the planar surface, such that the second portion of the hanger is positioned substantially parallel to the leading edge of the planar surface, the loop extends away from the base, and the planar surface is positioned between the base and the loop; and d) inserting the clothing article in the loop, such that the loop supports the clothing article but does not compress the clothing article.
 12. The method as claimed in 11, further comprising a stem positioned between the loop and the first portion of the hanger and a purse having a carrying strap and further comprising the step of positioning the carrying strap of the purse adjacent to the stem.
 13. A holder for clothing article comprising: a base having a first surface, a second surface, and an outer edge; and a hanger having a first portion and a substantially closed O-shaped second portion, the first portion having a first end pivotally connected to the base, wherein when the clothing article is positioned in the substantially closed O-shaped loop, the substantially closed O-shaped loop supports the clothing article but does not compress the clothing article
 14. The holder as claimed in claim 13 further comprising a stem positioned between the second end of the first portion of the hanger and the substantially closed O-shaped second portion of the hanger.
 15. The holder as claimed in claim 14 wherein the stem of the substantially closed O-shaped second portion of the hanger intersects the second end of the first portion of the hanger, such that an angle is defined between the first portion of the hanger and the substantially closed O-shaped second portion of the hanger.
 16. The holder as claimed in claim 13, wherein the hanger is pivotally connected to the base.
 17. The holder as claimed in claim 13, further comprising a pad positioned on the base. 